ISLAMABAD: Mystery shrouds the cause of the fire that caused tragedy at the PIMS gynae ward on Wednesday. The members of the National Assembly health committee recorded conflicting statements about the tragic incident that triggered the blaze at the Mother and Child Hospital at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Committee Chairman Dr Mahesh Kumar said officials initially claimed an old air conditioner caused a spark. However, the unit was not working for a long time.
CCTV Footage Fails to Identify Fire Source
Kumar said CCTV footage did not show the old AC starting the fire. He added that hospital staff also could not identify the source. The committee is now examining possible faults in the electrical wiring and oxygen pipeline.
According to Kumar, the fire spread within a minute, raising concerns about oxygen contributing to its rapid spread. He said nurses on duty were working when the fire suddenly erupted. However, they could not determine where the initial spark originated.
The incident occurred early Wednesday on the third floor of the hospital. Fifteen newborns were inside the nursery at the time. Fourteen infants suffered severe burns and later died. Rescue teams saved one newborn from the blaze.
Committee Questions Nursery Location
Meanwhile, the committee questioned why newborns were being treated in the old nursery building. Kumar said the building dates back to 1990, while PIMS has a newer and better-equipped block. He said the committee believes the nursery should have operated in the newer facility.
The committee has submitted several questions to hospital authorities and will assess their responses before determining responsibility.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed an inquiry committee and suspended Health Secretary Aslam Ghori.
Dr Mahesh Kumar said the committee is submitting its findings within 24 to 48 hours to the government.
